“JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL, JR”
Family Musical Theater Onstage at the Firehouse Arts Center, Performed by Local Youth
PLEASANTON, Calif. — The City of Pleasanton Civic Arts Stage Company, in partnership with Bay Area Children’s Theater, presents the youth musical theater stage production of “Junie B. Jones The Musical JR.” Opening night is Friday, March 22, at the Firehouse Arts Center Theater in Pleasanton. The show will run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through March 31, with evening shows at 7:30 p.m., and matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Based on the beloved best-selling book series by Barbara Park, the musical brings to life many of the lovable characters and silly adventures of Junie B. Jones. The production is full of catchy, upbeat songs and choreography, and features two different casts of 25 students each. Many of the actors are returning performers, having “hit the boards” for the first time in one of Civic Arts Stage Company’s previous two shows this season: “Wonderland” in September, and “Mary Poppins JR” in December.
The plot: The story opens on Junie B.’s first day of first grade, where many unexpected changes are in store: Junie’s best friend Lucille has found new best friends, and Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. While in Mr. Scary’s class, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard — and she may need glasses. Add in a friendly cafeteria lady, an intense kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade is off and running for Junie B. and gang.
The script is full of fun and tom-foolery, with a fair sprinkling of nifty life-lessons thrown in for good measure. Appropriate for all audiences.
About Civic Arts Stage Company: As part of the City of Pleasanton’s broad youth programming offerings, CASC is a youth and family theater company dedicated to enhancing literacy and love of language. By enacting the stories of our most beloved children’s classics, the actors experience the great joy of reliving the stories many grew up with, while the audience watches the characters jump off the page and onto the stage.
Civic Arts Stage Company is proud of its quality productions, supported in large part by a relationship with Bay Area Children’s Theatre. BACT’s extensive network of professional directors, stage managers, designers and actors offer a supportive and educational experience for the actors, which translates into a quality and educational performance experience. All productions are cast from auditions open to all residents of the Pleasanton and Tri-Valley communities. All youth ages 10-18 are encouraged to audition. No prior experience is required.
“Junie B. Jones The Musical JR” runs March 22 through 31. Fridays, 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, 2:00 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are $12, $15, $18; Child or Senior: $7, $10, $13. Tickets can be purchased online at www.firehousearts.org, by calling 925-931-4848, and in person at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton. Free parking is available in the center’s lot off Spring Street.
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JUNIE B. JONES THE MUSICAL JR. Opens March 22 at the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton. Family theater performed by local youth, presented by Civic Arts Stage Company and Bay Area Children’s Theatre. Delightful adaptation of Barbara Park’s best-selling books, brought to life in a fun new musical. Featuring lovable characters, silly adventures and unforgettable songs. Appropriate for all audiences. Shows run March 22 through 31. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12, $15, $18; Child or Senior: $7, $10, $13. Tickets available at www.firehousearts.org, 925-931-4848, or at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton.
The Firehouse Arts Center is owned and operated by the City of Pleasanton, and dedicated to inspiring passion through the arts. The center is comprised of the 227-seat Firehouse Theater, the 2000 square foot Harrington Gallery, classrooms and rehearsal space, the grand atrium lobby, and the famous interior glass bridge. With world-class performing and visual arts, exciting interactive programs for all ages, and a state-of-the-art venue which opened in 2010, we combine the sophistication of the culturally rich Bay Area arts landscape with the hospitality and intimacy of our own home town. The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton.
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